Page 22 of The Kissing Challenge
He gave a nod and then released me. Even that small touch made my fingers tingle. Focus, Anne. He's your best friend, and he's here to help you. That's it.
Taking a deep breath, I approached Cap again and began smoothing a base across his forehead and cheeks. His natural tan wouldn't do. I had to lighten up his skin a bit, but I didn't want to do too much. A little went a long way. Next, I added shading to bring out his bone structure, his strong cheekbones and jaw.
God, I thought. He is so beautiful.
"You okay?" Captain asked.
Apparently, I'd stood frozen for too long.
Shaking myself, I said, "Yes. Eyes closed, please."
Captain complied, and I added some soft cream to his lids. Next came a bit of eyeliner, less than I used for when he played with Hero Complex. The lights here wouldn't wash him out, so I didn't need as much.
"Okay, almost done," I said, and he opened his eyes.
Something was missing as I looked over his face. But I couldn't quiet put my finger on what. My gaze went to his lips, and I nodded. That was it.
"Can you bite your lip for me?" I said.
Captain's eyes flared, but he did as I asked, biting down on his lips, adding a natural rosy tint. The move caused my breath to quicken.
"They just needed some color." My voice thankfully remained steady.
"Is that good?"
Oh my, yes, I thought.
What I said was, "Yeah, looks awesome. Now, I'll add a few drops of blood, make it look like you just had a little afternoon snack."
"A snack would be nice," Captain mumbled.
I could've sworn he leaned toward me when he said that.
I tried to concentrate, but he was too close. Plus, Captain's eyes followed my every move. I hoped he wouldn't notice the slight shake of my hand as I left little red dots in strategic places from the corner of his mouth down his strong chin.
"There," I said with relief. "Now, if you could just muss your hair, we'll be done."
He ran his hands through those dark locks. The end result? He was even more devastating than he'd been only seconds ago.
Captain arched a brow, and my heart tried to escape my chest.
"Perfect," I said.
Reaching for my phone, I tried to get a few profile shots, but Cap's gaze stayed on me as I walked around him.
"Um," I said and stopped recording. "Well, thanks, Captain. Edward, Daemon and Eric have nothing on you."
I turned around, fiddling with my brushes and makeup, pretending to put everything away when in reality I needed a break from those intense eyes. The room had been getting warmer since he sat in that chair. I tried for a joke to break the tension.
"Seriously though, you're rocking the vampire look," I said with a laugh. My back was still to him. "Maybe you should walk around like this all the time."
"Maybe I will," he said which made me freeze. I hadn't heard him move. But from the sound of his voice and the warmth at my back, I knew he was standing right behind me. "If you keep looking at me like that, I'll definitely consider it."
Two feelings were fighting for dominance in my mind.
I didn't know if I was more embarrassed that he'd noticed me staring—or too turned on to care. As he lowered his head to my neck, it caused goosebumps to rise, and I knew. My attraction was definitely beating out my self-consciousness.
"Captain," I breathed as he dropped a feather-light kiss to my neck.
